Why was Birdman banned from NBA: Exploring Chris Andersen’s colorful basketball career

New Orleans Hornets power forward Chris Andersen was
banned from the NBA on Friday for violating the league’s
league’s drug policy.
Andersen must wait two years before he can apply for
reinstatement, the league said.

According to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, a
player can only be disqualified for a fourth positive test for
for performance-enhancing drugs, or a first positive test for “drugs of abuse.” Drugs on that list are amphetamines and their analogs, which methamphetamine; cocaine; LSD; opiates, including heroin, codeine and morphine; and PCP.
Andersen had not previously been suspended for steroid use.

Hornets owner George Shinn said in a statement released by the team, “We were obviously disappointed and saddened to learn that Chris has been dismissed from the league. On behalf of his teammates, coaches and the entire organization, we wish him well and hope he learns from this experience,” Shinn said.

Known as “Birdman” for his dunks, Andersen was a favorite among Hornets fans in Oklahoma City.